Welcome to Uni - now don't get ripped off!
18 February 2010
University and TAFE College students are being urged to do their homework on consumer rights so they don’t get ripped off during Orientation Week.
Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge, said for many tertiary students ‘O-week’ was usually the first experience of living away from home and looking after their finances.
“Starting university or TAFE is one of the most exciting times in a student’s life, but it can also be one of the most daunting,” she said.
“Knowing your consumer rights will help you become a confident and smart consumer whether you are buying a textbook or a car.”
Ms Judge said students should remember the following rules to avoid costly mistakes:
- keep your receipts
- only use reputable sellers and secure online sites
- always fully read and understand all documents before you sign anything
- pay cash or use lay-bys rather than credit
- beware of scams
- only use licensed travel agents and
- before moving into a flat or uni share house, make sure you check and fill out a condition report, carefully inspect every room and take photos.
“If you’ve found a car, motorbike or scooter, make sure to check the Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) to see whether there’s any money owing on it,” she said.
“You don’t want to lose your new wheels because the previous owner didn’t pay off the loan.
“The other trap to avoid is using internet functions on your mobile phone because download limits can cost you a fortune.”
Ms Judge said NSW Fair Trading had published a new consumer guide for students in PDF format (size: 758kb) which is available on the Fair Trading website.
Fair Trading will be visiting campuses across NSW from 22 February to 24 March 2010 hosting information stalls to coincide with O-week activities.
See full list of locations below:
FAIR TRADING INVOLVEMENT IN ORIENTATION WEEK ACTIVITIES 2010
| Date | Time | Campus/TAFE | Event type | Event |
| 22/02 | 8:30am – 4:30pm | Newcastle University, Wollotuka, Institute | Orientation Week | Information session for international students on consumer rights (buying a car, tenancy, mobile phones etc. |
| 23/02 | 9am – 12pm | Charles Sturt University, Orange | Orientation Week – Information Day | Information stall |
| 23/02 | 10am –2:30pm | Charles Sturt University, Dubbo | Orientation Week – Information Day | Information stall |
| 23/02 | 10am –11:30am | Bathurst TAFE | Orientation Week – Business Studies students | Information session on Fair Trading services |
| 25/02 | 9am – 3pm | Charles Sturt University, Bathurst | Orientation Week – Information Day | Information stall |
| 26/02 | 11am –1:30pm | University of Wollongong | Welcome to Wollongong Festival for International students | Information stall in Civic Plaza, Wollongong |
| 01/03 | 10am – 2pm | University of Western Sydney, Kingswood Campus | Orientation Week | Information stall |
| 02/03 | 10am – 2pm | University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown Campus | Orientation Week | Information stall |
| 24/03 | 10:30am – 1:30pm | Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga | Survival Day | Information Stall |
Students can also contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 for more information.
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